ODOT News

For more information: Sally Ridenour, 503-986-3438 or Michele O’Leary, 503-986-4198

Recent motorcycle crashes serve as reminder to focus on safety

Simple actions can help prevent most crashes

This spring’s rash of motorcycle crashes serve as a poignant reminder that safety should be a top priority for both motorcyclists and drivers. The Oregon Department of Transportation has received preliminary reports of 19 motorcycle fatalities this year (Jan. 1 to June 19, 2014); that’s a 100 percent increase from the same time period last year (see chart).

Oregon Motorcycle Fatalities

Year

As of 6/18

Total

Year

As of 6/18

Total

2014

19

--

1999

6

18

2013

9

33

1998

6

25

2012

12

50

1997

10

22

2011

13

40

1996

11

28

2010

16

38

1995

9

22

2009

19

51

1994

8

22

2008

19

46

1993

10

28

2007

22

51

1992

11

25

2006

17

44

1991

18

35

2005

20

46

1990

12

26

2004

13

38

1989

11

43

2003

12

43

1988

21

47

2002

11

28

1987

33

75

2001

11

36

1986

30

76

2000

12

38

1985

26

73

Human error is a factor

With the warmer spring weather, motorcyclists took to the roads. Unfortunately, many of the fatal crashes this spring were due to human error. According to preliminary reports, speeding, following too closely and abrupt lane changes were factors in the majority of fatal crashes this year. In 2013, about 73 percent of fatal motorcycle crashes in Oregon were attributed to the motorcyclist committing the primary error leading to the crash.

Training improves safety

“Our reports tell us that most of the motorcyclists killed this year have not been through a motorcycle safety education course,” said Michele O’Leary, Motorcycle Safety Program manager for the Oregon Department of Transportation. “Safety education can sharpen your skills and make you better prepared for the challenges of riding in our great state.”

Basic and advanced classes are available across the state. ODOT-approved motorcycle safety courses are provided by the TEAM OREGON Motorcycle Safety Program, which has been delivering rider education for three decades. Visit the TEAM Oregon website for a list of classes near you.

We all have a role in safety

Safety is everyone’s responsibility. Motorcyclists’ responsibilities include obeying traffic laws, being alert to other drivers, never riding while impaired or distracted and always wearing a helmet and highly visible gear. All through the year, but especially during the summer when more motorcyclists are on the road, drivers should safely “share the road” with motorcycles and be extra alert to help keep motorcyclists safe.

ODOT offers safety tips for drivers and motorcyclists:

Motorcyclists

Don’t speed.

Allow time and space to react to other motorists or changing road conditions.